Indian Food Made Easy [Paperback]

One of the reasons for the great success of the television series Indian Food Made Easy is Anjum Anand’s clear and straightforward presentation, rendering these recipes manageable (or least convincing us that they are within our own particular range). There is also a commendable avoidance of gimmicks -- particularly welcome in an era when TV chefs feel obliged to adopt unusual or eccentric personae to grab attention. And it's particularly pleasing to note that all of these qualities are in evidence in this book of the series: straightforward, concise recipes (illustrated only with tempting pictures of the food itself, rather than the presenter striking various telegenic poses -- she is to be seen on the cover only, admittedly looking Nigella Lawson-like). And given that Indian food is noted more for its delicious taste than its healthy properties, Anjum Anand takes on the negative reputation that the cuisine has in this regard, and comes up with alternatives to the standard high-fat ingredients (that's not to say that she doesn't unashamedly tackle such things where necessary -- taste is definitely the overriding consideration in this book). And with such recipes as Mangalorean chicken (with its mouth-watering combination of coconut, coriander and large fat red chillies) and wild mushroom and pilaff -- all presented in the most accessible and uncomplicated fashion -- this book is likely to accelerate the already considerable acceptance of Indian cookery for non-Indian aspirants. --Barry Forshaw

THIS BOOK CONTAINS ALL THE RECIPES FROM THE FIRST SERIES OF 'INDIAN FOOD MADE EASY' FIRST SHOWN JULY 2007. THE SECOND SERIES WAS SHOWN ON BBC2, HER LATEST BOOK, 'ANJUM'S NEW INDIAN' ACCOMPANIES THE NEW SERIES In her new BBC2; series, Anjum Anand travels around the UK creating delicious Indian food that is light and healthy and bursting with flavour. Beginning with easy finger food and light grills, perfect for TV snacks, Anjum then goes onto visit a country fair in Dorset where she cooks Indian street food, creates a tasty lamb curry for some hungry firemen, and cooks up a seafood feast on the beach for a group of Cornish surfers. All the recipes from the TV series are included with chapters on Light snacks, Seafood, Meat and Poultry, Vegetables, Lentils and Beans, Rice and Breads, Chutneys and Raitas, and Desserts and Drinks. Anjum is passionate about using fresh, local and seasonal produce with all the ingredients readily available in supermarkets. Throughout the book, there are tips and techniques as well as expert secrets from some of the country's top Indian chefs.

Anjum Anand grew up in London and Switzerland, and regularly visits family in Delhi and Calcutta. She has worked in the trend-setting Café Spice in New York and for Tommy Tang and the Mondrian Hotel in Los Angeles. Anjum is the presenter of BBC2 s Indian Food Made Easy and has also appeared on UKTV s Great Food Live.